Interstate vs. Intrastate Moving Explained
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: An interstate move is any move where your belongings travel between states, and it’s regulated by the federal government. An intrastate move stays within one state and follows that state’s rules. Interstate movers need a USDOT number and must follow federal consumer protections, like the 110% rule on non-binding estimates.
rating
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Jump to the interstate vs. intrastate info you’re looking for:
Interstate vs. intrastate moving: Quick comparison
| Factor | Interstate | Intrastate |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Goods travel between states | Pickup, route & delivery in one state |
| Regulator | FMCSA (federal) | State agency |
| Required ID | USDOT number | State license or registration |
| Pricing | Usually weight & distance | Often hourly for local moves |
| Estimate rules | Federal 110% rule | Varies by state |
| Example | Texas to California | Houston to Dallas |
What’s the difference between interstate & intrastate moving?
An interstate move is any move where your belongings travel between two states. An intrastate move stays entirely within one state, from pickup to delivery.
Distance doesn’t decide it. You can move hundreds of miles and still be intrastate, as long as your belongings never leave the state. And an in-state move can count as interstate if the truck’s route passes through another state.
- Interstate: Los Angeles, California to Denver, Colorado. Your belongings cross a state line, so federal rules apply.
- Intrastate: Miami to Orlando, Florida. Pickup, route, and delivery are all in one state, so state rules apply.
Why it matters: the label decides which rules, licenses, and consumer protections cover your move. See our guide to moving company regulations for more.
Who regulates interstate & intrastate movers?
Interstate movers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate movers. Every interstate mover needs a USDOT number, and it must follow federal safety, insurance, and consumer protection rules.
- Required ID: An active USDOT number and current federal insurance filings
- Safety rules: Federal hours-of-service limits, drug & alcohol testing, and inspections
- Paperwork: Movers must give you the FMCSA’s Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move booklet
Intrastate movers
Each state sets its own rules for in-state movers, and the agency in charge varies. For example, Illinois requires a household goods license from the Illinois Commerce Commission, and Ohio movers are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Some states have strict licensing and tariffs, while others have few rules. Check your state’s requirements before you book. Look up any interstate mover on the FMCSA’s SAFER Company Snapshot, or see our USDOT lookup guide.
Want a mover that’s already been vetted? Choose a moveBuddha Certified mover. Certified movers pass vetting on licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing.
What consumer protections apply to interstate moves?
Interstate moves come with federal protections that don’t automatically apply to in-state moves.
- 110% rule: With a non-binding estimate, the mover must release your goods once you pay 110% of the estimate. With a binding estimate, you pay 100%.
- Claims deadlines: You have 9 months to file a claim. The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and respond within 120 days.
- Arbitration: For claims of $10,000 or less, the mover must agree to arbitration if you request it.
Intrastate protections depend on your state. If a mover holds your belongings for extra money, see our guide on what to do when movers hold items hostage.
How do insurance & coverage differ?
Interstate
- Liability insurance: Carriers hauling over 10,001 lbs need at least $750,000 in liability coverage.
- Cargo insurance: Household goods carriers need cargo coverage of $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
- Your coverage options: Movers must offer released value protection, which pays 60 cents per pound per item, and full value protection for an added fee.
Intrastate
- State minimums: Insurance requirements vary by state.
- Coverage options: Valuation rules also vary, so ask what’s included before you sign.
Released value and full value protection are mover liability options, not moving insurance. For high-value items, full value protection from your mover is usually the better choice.
Is an interstate move more expensive than an intrastate move?
Yes, usually. Interstate movers typically price by weight and distance, while local in-state movers often charge by the hour. Long-distance moves also add fuel surcharges of 8% - 15% on transportation charges.
Access fees for stairs, elevators, or shuttle trucks can add $75 - $500+ to either type of move. Moving containers and rental trucks cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, so DIY options can cut the cost of a long move.
Use our moving cost calculator to see what your route costs. It’s built on 1,000+ live price points collected every month. The moveBuddha Mover Marketplace can also get you up to five no-obligation quotes from one request.
Do interstate & intrastate drivers need different CDLs?
Yes. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) for interstate driving follows federal standards, while intrastate CDLs follow state rules.
- Interstate CDL: Drivers must be at least 21, pass a DOT physical, and follow federal hours-of-service limits.
- Intrastate CDL: Many states allow drivers 18 and older, but the license only covers driving within that state.
- Restrictions: A license marked “intrastate only” can’t be used to cross state lines for work.
Interstate vs. intrastate moves: Real-world examples
Example 1: Interstate container move
Jason moved his 4-bedroom home 2,800 miles from Corvallis, Oregon to Seneca, South Carolina with U-Pack. He was quoted $6,109 for a full 28-foot trailer but paid $4,561, since he only used 15 feet of trailer space. Read Jason’s full story.
Example 2: Intrastate move
Houston to Dallas is about 240 miles, but it’s still intrastate, since pickup and delivery happen in Texas. Your mover follows Texas rules for licensing and insurance.
Example 3: An in-state route through another state
Some in-state routes briefly leave the state. A move from Oakland, Maryland to Annapolis, Maryland may pass through West Virginia or Pennsylvania. If it does, it counts as an interstate move, so your mover needs a USDOT number.
Example 4: Full-service interstate move
Amy moved her 3-bedroom home 1,500 miles from Rochester, New York to Mineral Wells, Texas with United Van Lines, through Corrigan Moving, a local United mover. Her final bill matched her $8,425.74 quote exactly.
“Nothing got lost, but a few items were damaged. Corrigan handled the claim quickly and professionally.”
—Amy T., Better Moves Project
FAQ
How can I tell if my move is interstate or intrastate?
If your belongings travel between states at any point, the move is interstate. If pickup, the route, and delivery are all in one state, it’s intrastate. Ask your mover which applies before you book.
Do movers need a USDOT number for local moves?
Only if the move crosses state lines or the mover also does interstate moves. Many states require their own license or registration for in-state movers. Always ask for the mover’s credentials before you book.
Does the 110% rule apply to intrastate moves?
No, the 110% rule is a federal rule for interstate moves. In-state moves follow your state’s rules instead. Check your state’s requirements before you sign an estimate.
How long do I have to file a claim on an interstate move?
You have 9 months from delivery to file a claim. The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and respond within 120 days. File in writing and keep copies of everything.
Is an interstate move more expensive?
Usually, since interstate moves are priced by weight and distance and often include fuel surcharges. Local in-state moves are often charged by the hour. Compare several quotes to find the best price.
What’s the minimum age for an interstate CDL driver?
Interstate CDL drivers must be at least 21. Many states let drivers 18 and older get an intrastate CDL. Those drivers can’t cross state lines for work.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
